Water park expected to open in Leakesville this summer

For years, Leakesville has struggled to grow. Now, with a new water park on the way, many believe this small Mississippi town could finally become a tourist destination.

Mikel Franks has witnessed Leakesville businesses come and go over the years.

When he heard about ChickasaWaves—a massive inflatable water park set to open this summer—he saw it as an opportunity for his town.

“Yes, it’ll be good for the community,” said Mikel Franks, a Leakesville resident. “I think it will draw in so much attention and many tourists and everything for the community.”

The park is expected to bring visitors from all over, offering water attractions, sandy beaches and a restaurant.

For Franks and others, it’s about more than just fun—it means jobs and growth.

Davey Busby, owner of ChickasaWaves, hopes the park will be a turning point for Leakesville’s economy.

“I’m hoping we get a lot of visitors that come in that’s never been to Leakesville before or Greene County,” said Busby. “They’ll be able to come here and enjoy themselves, and it’ll belike a small vacation.”

Lee Turner with the Main Street Leakesville Organization says the park will bring a lot to the area.

“We’re just a bedroom community; we’re kind of a day trip for people that live in Mobile, the Gulf Coast, Hattiesburg, Laurel.”

And with the park’s opening, more opportunities are on the way.

“We’re going to have lifeguards, cashiers, directors. We start hiring and taking resumes in April,” said Busby.

For people like Ollie Franks, it’s not just about summer fun—it’s about making Leakesville a destination.

“It would bring a lot of money to local businesses, also bringing a lot of tourism here to where a lot of the mom-and-pop stores will be able to provide more income and provide more jobs,” said Ollie Franks.

From a quiet, rural town to a growing tourist stop––Leakesville residents say they’re ready to make a splash.